While Wi-Fi connection speeds are approaching 1 Gbps, researchers prepare a massive performance leap for Ethernet networks, busily working on a new communication standard that promises transfer speeds that will reach 400 Gbps and even 1 Tbps.
In other words, classic “wired” connections could reach up to 1,000 times the speed of wireless connections. According to studies undertaken by the IEEE Standards Association, the load on the network infrastructure is doubled on average every 18 months. The researchers concluded that every ten years there is a need of a 100-fold increase in the available bandwidth to meet demand.
Higher-Speed Ethernet Consensus group – the team responsible for setting the new standard has not yet set the target speed for the new connection type. Currently the team is divided into two camps: one wanting to limit connection speed to 400 Gbps to easier keep costs under control while the second aims at an astounding speed of 1 Tbps.
While achieving the highest speeds possible is in the interest of users, it remains to be seen how the problem will be solved from a technically and economically point of view. Currently, the fastest connections – such as 100 Gbps, implemented in data center systems and business – are achieved using conventional copper cables, each composed of several parallel slow wires grouped to achieve the target speed. If the same method would be applied for the 1 Tbps bidirectional connection, a cable with 80 copper wires would be needed – too thick and expensive to be implemented on a large-scale or for long distances. An alternative seems to be provided by connections through fiber optic, the cables required are much thinner, lighter and cheaper to produce.
Currently an exact date for the introduction of new communication standard was not set, but according to John D’Ambrosia, leading Higher-Speed Ethernet Consensus group, the project is treated with the highest priority and results will not take too long to be seen.
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